A senior Egyptian official blamed Israel for holding up the release of Cpl. Gilad Schalit, who was abducted by Hamas in a cross-border raid near Kerem Shalom nearly a year ago, Israel Radio reported.
According to the official, who was interviewed in the London-based Al-Hayat, said that Hamas had agreed to reduce the number of prisoners it demands Israel release from 1,000 to 400, but that Israel was not showing flexibility.
Hamas, the unnamed official said, had no choice but to stick to its demands, as it was the group's only chance to secure the release of inmates sentenced to life in prison.